February 19, 2013

Welfare as a reaction to capitalism.

A clear history of the welfare state as it came up from the torment that Capitalism created. The money quote: “The safety net was created to save capitalism from itself, not to attack capitalism.” We have welfare to keep the problems capitalism creates at bay, not to dismantle it. Without the safety net, financial aid programs, and countless other items we would have people in the streets who would argue for a more revolutionary system.

February 12, 2013

Cool Oscar Photo

One of the fun things about the Oscars is the history. And that is something they have really learned to use over the last couple of years with the Bob Hope hologram and showing the original ceremonies to this new poster showing the winners.

January 30, 2013

The Case for Anne Hathaway

Not only did she reference the coolest song in the movie, but she did it with humor and an amazing voice.

January 23, 2013

The Israeli Elections

A fairly downtrodden view on the Center parties in Israel and their ability to garner votes when they first appear but never stay around long enough. The newest contender has an amazing name “There is a Future”, which sounds both hopeful and ominous at the same time. In the short term, you still have the outrageous problem of the Orthodox, settlements growing while still being contested, and Bibi as Prime Minister.

January 22, 2013

A quick note on Mexican Violence

http://youtu.be/OAfEq80YlWU

A neat video about the ongoing violence in Mexico and the part the U.S. plays in the struggle.

January 17, 2013

Random “Les Miserables” Thought

Is Marius the French version of Mario? If so, its very convenient that he also goes into the sewers with such ease as the Video Game version.

January 16, 2013

Lessons on Logic

And the citizens of the United States will continue to await a legitimate argument from the gun lobby.

January 11, 2013

The Liberal Agenda

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/11/eric-bolling-the-five-liberal-agenda-math-homework_n_2455583.html?utm_hp_ref=media

… and remember when you had 7 apples and you had to give some to your freeloading friends???

January 11, 2013

Birth of a Hashtag

Tonight at Hamburger Mary’s during my quiz, the audience and waiters decided to use the TV text capabilities to send me messages. What happened was an amazing #. #Jexy

January 9, 2013

Life as a Quizmaster

One night a week I get to go onstage (in one of the coolest spots in Los Angeles, which will have to be the subject of another post) and host a “Pub Quiz”. A couple of facts:

I do not write the quiz, I work for a larger entity called Geeks Who Drink who writes the quizzes and gives me the great material I work with
I act like I know all the answers, but really I am not sure how great I would do playing along. I wish I could play a bit more, but when I download the quiz I have no option but to see the answers. I will have to play along with another quiz soon to see how I would do.
I’m not a great geek, regardless of being a “geek who drinks”, I just can’t keep up.
I cannot call it trivia, that is semi-degrading and against my companies code

But I love the gig. I have a ton of fun, it makes me less “angst-y” and gets me out of my head for as long as possible. I’ve met great people and I get to be as close to Alex Trebek I can be at the moment. It was a challenge for me to get on stage and be vulnerable in front of people, but I’m feeling great about it and every time I get up I feel I get better.

Info on my Quiz here.